AS Roma down Inter Milan in Coppa Italia first leg

23 January 2013 10:17

AS Roma defeated Inter Milan 2-1 in the Italian Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday, but face a wait of almost three months to play the second leg.

Four days after the two sides drew 1-1 in Serie A, Roma were worthy winners creating a host of opportunities.

Both Roma's goals came in the first half with Alessandro Florenzi heading in a cross from Ivan Piris in the 13th minute before the Paraguayan also teed-up Mattia Destro for another scoring header after 33 minutes.

But Inter grabbed a lifeline when Rodrigo Palacio latched on to an Esteban Cambiasso free-kick and headed home just before the interval.

The second leg of the tie will take place on April 17 with the winners to face either Juventus or Lazio in the final.

They drew 1-1 in Tuesday's first leg with the second leg taking place in Rome next Tuesday.